****Highly decorated RN new grad can't find a job...Any advice???****

Continue to look for a job in areas that have work to offer and get ready to relocate. If you need money now, then take a job, any job, to keep yourself off the streets. Good luck.

Dallas, Texas is hiring new grads and they are hiring RNs period. I know you didn't mention Texas in your list of places you were willing to work, but I still decided to put the input. A lot of the jobs I've seen have been hiring new grads. So just keep your faith, and I'll say a prayer for you.

Texas is hiring new grads.. it is a great place to be right now. I can vouch for Houston specifically. THis is where you would have no problem getting a job.

You will have to get creative to get a job with no experience in your part of the country. You just have to hang in there and keep trying. Have you heard if any of your fellow classmates have been hired? IF so, where? Try those places.. maybe you have already, but try again. LIke I said, just keep doing what you're doing in your area.

If you want to fan out.. just get on mapquest and start picking large cities in the area you are willing to go. Get online and search for hospitals in those cities/towns and start applying. Then call a day later and talk to the recruiters. YOu really have to keep calling the recruiters and asking if they have ANYTHING. Also, don't down play your experience that you have at your spouse's office. That is experience! Play it up. It will help you to land a job.

Most employers do not care if you were" highly decorated' as a student. All your attributes sound wonderful but have little to do with getting a job.Things are tough allover. best of luck.

hi dan, and welcome to allnurse's.

i'm going to ask you a question...
something for you to consider on your own time (i am not looking for a response.).

the title of your thread, describes you as a "highly decorated" rn...
you also describe yourself as confident and competitive (which are highly desirable qualities).

is there any possible way you may be projecting yourself in a way that may repel some folks?
do you sound overly-eager, arrogant, presumptuous and/or overly-confident, in trying to market yourself?
again, these are only questions you can answer.
i'm surprised that ltc facilities haven't even hired you.

it really is a competitive market out there for new grads today.
perhaps you could 'volunteer' your time as an RN, so the prospective employer could assess your potential w/o any investment?
i've known new grads who have done that, with success.

anyway, i have nothing more to add...
you've gotten excellent advice, and i wish you well.

leslie

i wish you lots of good luck in the job market. the nurses who posted above are right. the hospitals really don't care if you are "highly decorated". Once you go to school and graduate, that chapter is closed , the hospitals only care if you can sign RN after your name.... the job market for new grads these days is very tight and they have their pick of people who will fit their needs.... they don't look at your school records , they look at you. The hospital where i work now i am on a panel that hires new nurses and i can tell you i don't care how you did at school. I talk to you and 20 others and ask you questions and if you impress us .. you got the job. there's plenty to pick and choose from. Our panel saying it " you can talk the talk .. can you walk the walk?" i am sure you will find a job soon, please keep us posted on how you are doing !!

I know that Duke is/was hiring new grads. I am surprised to hear that you weren't able to find a job in North Carolina.